The agreement, signed earlier this year after over 25 years of negotiations, aims to reduce trade barriers and tariffs, particularly benefiting the automotive, machinery, and pharmaceutical sectors. However, formal implementation may be delayed for months due to a pending review by the European Court of Justice, as mandated by the European Parliament. Critics express concerns regarding potential impacts on EU standards in consumer protection, environmental regulations, and animal welfare, claims that the EU Commission has firmly rejected. EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic emphasized the provisional implementation as a significant step in reinforcing the EU’s credibility as a trade partner.